How to choose a campground

There’s nothing like camping to truly “get away from it all.” Unplugging from a hectic daily life in the city or suburbs and getting back in touch with nature can offer not only the benefits of recharging, but fun and relaxation amid natural beauty.

Whether that means a small tent pitched in a remote location or an RV parked amid a caravan of others, campgrounds are part of the national imagination when it comes to ways to unwind and spend time with family and friends.

Picking the right campground isn’t always easy, though. Some are designed for a family-style experience, while others cater to more intimate outings. And, of course, location is a huge factor.

Here are some factors to weigh.

LOCATION

The first and most important choice is the campground’s location.

If you’re going on a faraway trip, then you’ll obviously need a campground close to the destination. Online reviews and word-of-mouth descriptions from campers who have stayed there can help you make a decision.

More often, though, camping is just as fun when you stay reasonably close to home. Look for a site that’s convenient for a weekend getaway, yet far enough away that it feels like a real vacation. Sometimes it can be very close to home geographically but a world away mentally.

Nearby attractions can help you make the choice, too. National or state parks, tourist sites or cities you’d enjoy visiting can make certain campsites more appealing. Many travelers like to use campsites almost like hotel rooms, letting them travel, enjoy nature and stay frugal all at the same time.

AMENTIES

Let’s face it: There’s one part of camping that people seemingly never agree on — just how much civilization should be involved in the experience.

For some campers, only a primitive campsite that can be reached by remote hiking counts as true camping.

For others, a luxury RV with full hookups and paved walking paths is as primitive as they want to get.

The choice really comes down to personal preference. The camp site should match your expectations for what you want from the outdoor experience, whether that’s just the basics — maybe a water hookup and a pad for your tent — or a fullblown luxury “glamping” resort.

Grandma’s Cabin at Kishauwau Starved Rock Area Cabins sleeps 14, perfect for girlfriends getaway, guys fishing trip, or family reunions. Includes full kitchen, central air, flatscreen TV with DVD player, outdoor fire pit, picnic tables and charcoal grill.

Ask about electrical connections, RV hookups, showers, bathrooms and any other amenities you might want for your camping trip. The best campgrounds will offer a range of services at different price points to meet your needs.

LAYOUT AND RULES

For many people, camping is all about peace, quiet and isolation. For others, it’s more about partying with friends.

Whatever your style of camping, you should make sure the campground’s layout and rules are a good match for your kind of fun.

If you’re the peace-and-quiet kind of camper, you’ll want a campground with widely spaced, very private camp sites and strictly enforced curfew rules. Most campgrounds have a designated hour when quiet time begins, but some are stricter than others about making sure campers comply with them.

If you want to play music and get loud with friends and family, you should look for a camp site where that’s not going to be a problem. Later curfews and a more laid-back atmosphere would be a better fit.

Talk to the campground’s manager if you have any questions about what’s allowed and what’s not. Knowing and following the rules will not only help keep you safe, but also make you a better camping neighbor so everyone has a good experience.

RESERVATIONS

Finally, you should look for a campground that accepts reservations well in advance, especially if you plan to camp on a holiday, a weekend or during a busy time of year.

Every campground has their own procedures for how they handle reservations. The most popular sites can be reserved months or even years in advance for the heavy travel season, so plan far ahead if you want the best selection.

Some campgrounds use an online reservation system where you can schedule and pay for your camp site on the computer. Others can be reserved by phone or mail. And some don’t allow reservations at all, allocating their camp sites to whomever shows up first.

By picking a campground with the right location, amenities and policies, then reserving it well in advance, you’ll be setting the stage for a memorable, fun experience enjoying Mother Nature.

Justa10minutedrive from Starved Rock and Matthiessan State Parks. We have 17 cabins in varying sizes spread throughout 65 acres of wooded property.